Newcastle United eye new CEO as Lee Charnley exit is finally confirmed

Managing director Lee Charnley’s Newcastle United exit has been confirmed by the club.

And in a statement confirming Charnley’s expected exit, the club have also confirmed they have begun the formal process to appoint a CEO in his place.

Newcastle United statement

Newcastle United can confirm that its managing director, Lee Charnley, has left the club following a handover period with the new ownership group.

Lee has been with the club for 22 years, the last seven of which were as the Magpies’ managing director.

Newcastle United was acquired by an investment group led by PIF, PCP Capital Partners and RB Sports & Media in October.

The club’s new Board will continue to oversee all operations.

The club has also begun a formal recruitment process to appoint a CEO and will make an announcement in due course.

What Lee Charnley said about his time at United

Charnley has spoken of his time at United as being an honour and a privilege.

He said: “To have been at Newcastle United for 22 years has been an honour and a privilege, and the club, its people and our city will always be very special to me.“As it enters a new chapter in its history under new owners, I wish Amanda, the rest of the Board and everyone connected with the club every success.”

What co-owner Amanda Staveley said about his exit

Club co-owner and director Amanda Staveley thanked Charnley for his help during the handover period.

She said: “I would like to thank Lee sincerely for his support and professionalism during this time of change. His knowledge and assistance have been hugely appreciated by the club’s new Board.

“Lee ends a long association with the club and on behalf of the Board, staff and players, I’d like to wish him the very best for the future.”